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A  WORD  TO  THE  WEARY. 


A  WORD  TO  THE  WEARY. 


BY 


WILLIAM    S.    PLUMER,    D.D. 


5fe 


APR 

Logical  8t^ 


NEW  YORK: 
Anson  D.  F.  Randolph  &  Company, 

77»  BROADWAY,  Cor.  9ih  Street. 


Copyright,  1874,  by  Anson  D.  F.  Randolph  &  Co., 


A  WORD  IN  SEASON  TO  HIM 
THAT  IS  WEARY. 


Sin  and  sorrow  are  twin  sisters. 
They  were  born  the  same  day.  They 
have  grown  up  together.  It  is  as 
idle  to  say  that  there  is  no  misery  as 
to  assert  that  there  is  no  wickedness 
in  the  world. 

Some  men  seem  to  be  uniformly 
prosperous.  They  appear  to  have 
but  few  trials.  They  have  more  than 
heart  can  wish.  They  are  receiving 
their  good  things  in  this  life.  They 
are  the  abhorred  of  the  Lord.  Their 
eternity  will  be  rueful.  Yet  even 
they  have  their  seasons  of  weariness. 
And  the  mass  of  men  have  many  and 
palpable  sorrows.  This  is  always 
true  of  the  godly  in  this  life :  "  Many 


6  A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 

are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous." 
"  Whom  the  L.rd  loveth  he  chasten- 
eth,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom 
he  receiv^th."  The  tears  of  God's 
people  often  flow,  day  and  night. 
Waters  of  a  full  cup  are  wrung  out 
to  them.  Oh,  the  weariness  of  good 
men!  It  has  many  causes.  Some- 
times it  comes  from — 

POOR   HEALTH. 

No  less  than  others,  God's  people 
are  liable  to  pain  and  sickness.  More 
pitiable  objects,  as  to  bodily  suffer- 
ing, have  seldom,  if  ever,  been  seen 
than  were  Job  and  Lazarus.  Many  a 
time  God's  people  "  have  no  rest  in 
their  bones  ;  "  they  have  "  wearisome 
nights  appointed  unto  them  ;  "  they 
are  made  to  "cry  in  the  morning, 
oh,  that  it  were  evening!  and  in  the 
evening,  oh,  that  it  were  morning!" 
It  was  proof  of  the  kindness  of  John's 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  7 

heart,  when  he  wrote  to  Gaius,  "  Be- 
loved, I  wish,  above  all  things,  that 
thou  mayest  prosper  and  be  in  health, 
even  as  thy  soul  prospereth."  Nor 
are  those  'forms  of  bodily  suffering 
which  are  most  unpleasant  to  look 
upon  always  the  most  distressing. 
One  sometimes  says  of  another, 
"  There  is  not  much  the  matter  with 
him  ;  he  is  only  nervous."  Such 
speech  is  foolish.  Nervous  distress 
may  be,  and  often  is,  the  severest  of 
all  suffering.  The  theory  of  death 
by  the  cross  was,  that  it  took  life  by 
torturing  the  nervous  system.  It  is 
sad,  indeed,  when  one  is  forced  to 
say,  "  There  is  no  soundness  in  my 
flesh,  because  of  thine  anger  ;  neither 
is  there  any  rest  in  my  bones."  There 
are  "  sore  sicknesses,  and  of  long  con- 
tinuance." To  the  godly  there  is  no 
promise  of  exemption  from  distress- 
ing   bodily    infirmity.      Even    Elisha 


8  A    WORD   TO  THE    WEARY. 

fell  sick  of  a  sickness  whereof  he 
died.  How  sadly  Hezekiah  felt  all 
the  power  of  the  bodily  distress  that 
bore  him  down,  we  learn  from  his  own 
words.  Isa.  xxxviii.  9-20.  Let  one 
take  the  daily  rounds  of  the  faithful 
pastor  and  evangelist,  and  he  will  see 
in  garrets  and  cellars,  as  well  as  in 
stately  mansions,  scenes  of  bodily 
suffering  well  suited  to  appall.  If  one 
is  thus  tried,  let  him  cast  his  care 
upon  the  Lord,  and  cease  to  glory  in 
his  strength,  or  to  put  confidence  in 
an  arm  of  flesh.  Let  him  have  faith 
in  God,  and  sing — 

When  languor  and  disease  invade 
This  trembling  house  of  clay, 

'Tis  sweet  to  look  beyond  my  pains, 
And  long  to  fly  away. 

Sweet  to  look  inward,  and  attend 

The  whispers  of  His  love  ; 
Sweet  to  look  upward,  to  the  place 

Wh'  re  Jesus  pleads  above. 


A    WORD  TO   THE    WEARY.  g 

Sweet  to  reflect  how  grace  divine 

My  sins  on  Jesus  laid  ; 
Sweet  to  remember  that  His  blood 

My  debt  of  suffering  paid. 

Sweet  in  His  righteousness  to  stand, 
Which  saves  from  endless  death  ; 

Sweet  to  experience,  day  by  day, 
His  Spirit's  quickening  breath. 

Sweet  on  His  faithfulness  to  rest, 

Whose  love  can  never  end  ; 
Sweet  on  his  covenant  of  grace 

For  all  things  to  depend. 

If  such  the  sweetness  of  the  streams, 

What  must  the  fountain  be ; 
Where  saints  and  angels  draw  their  bliss 

Immediately  from  Thee. 

Toplady. 

POVERTY. 

God's  people  also  know  much  of 
poverty  and  worldly  embarrassment. 
God  has  marvellously  chosen  the  poor 
of  this  world  to  be  rich  in  faith,  and 


10         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

heirs  of  the  kingdom  that  cannot  be 
moved.  With  few  exceptions,  those 
who  shall  be  kings  and  priests  unto 
God  forever  know  on  earth  what 
want  is.  In  this  point  most  Chris- 
tians are  conformed,  at  least  in  a 
measure,  to  the  sufferings  of  Christ. 
Those  who  have  not  felt  this  form  of 
trial  can  hardly  conceive  of  the  pangs 
of  good  men  when  they  see  poverty, 
like  an  armed  man,  marching  into 
their  abodes,  and  stripping  them  of 
their  comforts,  and  sometimes  of  the 
necessaries  of  life.  It  is  a  blessed 
thing  that,  if  we  are  poor,  it  is  be- 
cause such  is  the  will  of  God,  for  the 
Lord  maketh  poor  and  He  maketh 
rich.  The  Lord  is  specially  the 
friend  of  the  poor,  and  will  avenge 
their  wrongs,  and  punish  their  op- 
pressors, and  maintain  the  right  of 
the  poor.  "  Hath  not  God  chosen 
the  poor  of  this  world  rich  in  faith  ?  " 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  n 

O,  let  me  make  the  Lord  my  trust, 

And  practice  all  that's  good ; 
So  shall  I  dwell  among  the  just, 

And  He'll  provide  me  food. 

I  to  my  God  my  ways  commit, 

And  cheerful  wait  His  will ; 
Thy  hand,  which  guides  my  doubtful  feet, 

Shall  my  desires  fulfill. 

The  meek  at  last  the  earth  possess 

And  are  the  heirs  of  heaven  ; 
True  riches,  with  abundant  peace, 

To  humble  souls  are  given ; 

The  heavenly  heritage  is  theirs, 

Their  portion  and  their  home  ; 
He  feeds  them  now,  and  makes  them  heirs 

Of  blessings  long  to  come. 

Eternal  life  can  ne'er  be  sold, 

The  ransom  is  too  high  ; 
Justice  will  ne'er  be  bribed  with  gold, 

That  man  may  never  die. 

Rest  in  the  Lord  and  keep  his  way, 

Nor  let  your  anger  rise, 
Though  Providence  shall  long  delay 

To  punish  haughty  vice. 

Watts. 


12        A    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY. 

THE   DEFECTION   OF   FRIENDS. 

Sorrows  seldom  come  single.  Like 
vultures,  they  are  gregarious.  A 
major  part  of  one's  friends  are  com- 
monly such  only  when  he  is  prosper- 
ous. Most  trees  are  left  naked  soon 
after  heavy  frosts  begin  to  fall  upon 
them.  Very  few  men  are  friends  in 
need.  One  or  two  acts  of  enlarged 
kindness  frequent!)'  exhaust  human 
sympathies.  It  pierces  the  heart  of  a 
good  man  to  see  the  heel  of  his  fami- 
liar friend  lifted  up  against  him. 
Sometimes  those,  to  whom  we  have 
done  the  best  services,  become  cold 
and  even  cruel.  The  son  of  Sirach 
spoke  wisely,  when  he  said  :  "  Some 
man  is  a  friend  for  his  own  occasion, 
and  will  not  abide  in  the  day  of  thy 
trouble.  And  there  is  a  friend,  who 
being  turned  to  enmity  and  strife, 
will  discover  (reveal)  thy  reproach. 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY.  13 

Again,  some  friend  is  a  companion  at 
the  table,  and  will  not  continue  in  the 
day  of  affliction.  But  in  thy  pros- 
perity he  will  be  as  thyself,  and  will 
be  bold  over  thy  servants.  If  thou  be 
brought  low,  he  will  be  against  thee, 
and  will  hide  himself  from  thy  face.,, 
This  witness  is  true.  If  a  merchant 
would  know  how  few  his  real  friends 
are,  let  him  suffer  his  note  to  go  to 
protest.  The  same  wise  ancient  said  : 
"A  faithful  friend  is  a  strong  de- 
fence ;  and  he  that  hath  found  such  a 
one  hath  found  a  treasure.  Nothing 
doth  countervail  a  faithful  friend,  and 
his  excellency  is  invaluable.  A  faith- 
ful friend  is  the  medicine  of  life."  Ec- 
clus,  vi.  8-14.  To  find  out  the  deceit- 
fulness  of  men  by  the  loss  or  treach- 
ery of  a  professed  friend  is  a  very  sad 
lesson.  It  is  no  mean  attraction  of 
heaven,  that  there  all  apparent  friend- 
ships are  real  and  beyond  suspicion. 


14         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

When  such  desertions  of  friends  oc- 
cur, we  should  cleave  the  closer  to 
Christ.  He  is  a  friend  that  sticketh 
closer  than  a  brother.  His  words 
are  very  kind  :  "  Henceforth  I  call 
you  not  servants  ;  for  the  servant 
knoweth  not  what  his  Lord  doeth  ; 
but  I  have  called  you  friends  ;  for  all 
things  that  I  have  heard  of  my  Fa- 
ther I  have  made  known  unto  you." 
John  xv.  15.  Having  loved  His  own, 
He  loved  them  to  the  end.  His  mercy 
knows  no  bounds.  His  friendship  is 
lasting  as  eternity.     Flee  to  Him. 

Oh,  could  I  speak  the  matchless  worth, 
Oh,  could  I  sound  the  glories  forth, 

Which  in  my  Saviour  shine  ! 

I'd  soar  and  touch  the  heavenly  strings, 

And  vie  -with  Gabriel  while  he  sings, 
In  notes  almost  divine. 

I'd  sing  the  precious  blood  he  spilt, 
My  ransom  from  the  dreadful  guilt 

Of  sin,  and  wrath  divine  : 

I'd  sing  his  glorious  righteousness, 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  15 

In  which  all-perfect,  heavenly  dress 
My  soul  shall  ever  shine. 

I'd  sing  the  characters  he  bears, 
And  all  the  forms  of  love  he  wears, 

Exalted  on  his  throne  ; 

In  loftiest  songs  of  sweetest  praise, 

I  would  to  everlasting  days 
Make  all  His  glories  known. 

Soon  the  delightful  day  will  come, 

When  my  dear  Lord  will  call  me  home, 

And  I  shall  see  His  face : 

Then  with  my  Saviour,  Brother,  Friend, 

A  blest  eternity  I'll  spend, 
Triumphant  in  His  grace. 

Medley. 

THE  DEATH  OF  LOVED  ONES. 

This  is  a  world  of  change.  Noth- 
ing is  certain  but  change.  Friend- 
ships are  often  sundered  by  death. 
Father,  mother,  husband,  wife,  broth- 
er, sister,  child — any  loved  one  may 
be  taken  as  in  a  moment ;  or,  if  they 
agonize    till    we    are    willing    to   see 


1 6         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

them  go,  so  that  they  may  be  out  of 
misery,  that  is  perhaps  more  distress- 
ing than  to  have  them  taken  in  a  way 
that  greatly  surprises  us.  Men  are 
born  to  die.  Dust  we  are,  and  to 
dust  we  must  all  retnrn.  Our  dear- 
est friends  are  lent  to  us  but  for  a 
short  time.  Of  this  we  have  full  no- 
tice in  God's  word  and  in  His  prov- 
idence also.  In  many  of  our  church- 
es half  the  worshippers  hang  out  the 
signals  of  distress  in  their  yery  attire. 
And  those,  who  wear  no  mourning 
apparel,  are  perhaps  as  sorely  bereav- 
ed as  those  who  are  most  mourningly 
attired.  Of  those  who  die,  some  were 
our  care,  some  our  hope,  some  our  pat- 
tern, some  our  guide,  some  our  stay. 
If  a  loved  one  is  taken  without  giving 
signs  of  true  repentance,  the  distress 
is  exceedingly  terrible.  It  is  like 
that  of  David  over  Absalom.  "  And 
the  king  was  much  moved,  and  went 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.         jy 

up  to  the  chamber  over  the  gate,  and 
wept :  and  as  he  went,  thus  he  said, 
O  my  son  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son 
Absalom  !  would  God  I  had  died  for 
thee,  O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! " 
Sometimes  our  loved  ones  are  taken 
away  in  circumstances  where  hope 
and  fear  respecting  their  eternal  hap- 
piness alternate.  In  this  way  mul- 
titudes are  sadly  grieved.  But  even 
where  there  is  a  quiet  and  fixed  per- 
suasion that  our  departed  friends 
were  at  peace  with  God,  we  still  sore- 
ly miss  them.  How  does  the  mother's 
heart  ache  for  the  little  one  that  nest- 
led in  her  bosom  !  How  does  con- 
jugal affection  bleed,  when  it  is  rifled 
of  its  darling  object !  How  sad  is  the 
cry  when  the  brother  says  to  the  sis- 
ter, 0:1  their  return  from  the  ceme- 
tery, "  Well,  dear  Mary,  we  have  no 
longer  any  earthly  parent.  We  are 
fatherless   and   motherless.     We  are 


1 8         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

orphans."  Many  a  father  has  said, 
like  Jacob,  "  If  I  am  bereaved  of  my 
children,  I  am  bereaved." 

In  such  sad  hours  what  can  we  do, 
unless  we  have  access  to  the  mercy- 
seat?  God  is  our  refuge  and  strength 
— the  sole  refuge  arid  strength  of  our 
souls  in  the  day  of  sorrow  and  be- 
reavement. Blessed  is  the  man,  who 
finds  in  the  Lord  all  needed  re- 
sources. 

Friend  after  friend  departs  ; 

Who  has  not  lost  a  friend  ? 
There  is  no  union  here  of  hearts, 

That  finds  not  here  an  end. 
Were  this  frail  world  our  final  rest, 

Living  or  dying,  none  were  blest. 

Beyond  the  flight  of  time, 

Beyond  the  reign  of  death, 
There  surely  is  some  blessed  clime 

Where  life  is  not  a  breath, 
Nor  life's  affections,  transient  fire, 

Whose  sparks  fly  upward  and  expire. 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.         ig 

There  is  a  world  above, 

Where  parting  is  unknown  ; 
A  long  eternity  of  love, 

Formed  for  the  good  above  ; 
And  faith  beholds  the  dying  here, 

Translated  to  that  glorious  sphere. 

Thus  star  by  star  declines, 

Till  all  are  passed  away, 
As  morning  high  and  higher  shines 

To  pure  and  perfect  day ; 
Nor  sink  those  stars  in  empty  night, 

But  hide  themselves  in  heaven's  own  light. 

Montgomery. 

UNKIND   SPEECHES. 

This  is  a  wicked  world,  and  the 
tongue  is  a  principal  instrument  of 
the  wickedness,  that  makes  earth  so 
much  like  the  pit  of  woe.  The  tongue 
is  a  world  of  iniquity.  Laws,  and 
bars,  and  bolts,  and  racks  cannot 
check  its  mischief.  Unjust  reproach- 
es, uncharitable  surmises  and  censo- 
rious rumors  often  fill  God's  people 


20         A    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY. 

with  grief.  David  bewails  the  fact 
that  he  was  "  the  song  of  the  drunk- 
ard/' Job  bemoans  himself  because 
"  the  children  of  those,  whom  he 
would  not  have  set  among  the  dogs 
of  his  flock,"  and  even  his  own  serv- 
ants treated  him  scornfully.  True 
religion  does  not  create  insensibility 
to  the  value  of  a  quiet  life,  or  of  a 
good  name.  It  refines  and  strength- 
ens our  lawful  regards  to  the  good 
opinions  of  others.  One  of  the  bitter 
ingredients  in  the  Master's  cup  of 
sorrow  was  calumny  and  misrepre- 
sentation. He  says :  "  Reproach  hath 
broken  my  heart."  Ps.  lxix.  26.  Some- 
times the  sins  of  slander  and  back- 
biting, reproach  and  detraction  come 
over  society  like  desolating  waves. 
Then  the  good  man  says,  "  My  soul 
dwelleth  among  lions."  "  Every  day 
they  wrest  my  words."  "  Oh,  that 
I  had  wings   like  a  dove  !  for  then 


A    WORD  TO   THE  WEARY.         2\ 

would  I  fly  away  and  be  at  rest." 
"  Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words, 
O,  though  deceitful  tongue."  The 
anguish  thus  caused  is  dreadful.  Let 
those  who  have  felt  it  testify.  One 
says :  "  There  is  a  persecution  sharp- 
er than  the  axe.  There  is  an  iron 
that  goes  into  the  heart  deeper  than 
the  knife.  Cruel  sneers,  and  sar- 
casms, and  pitiless  judgments,  and 
cold-hearted  calumnies  —  these  are 
persecutions."  But  of  old,  one  said  : 
"  The  words  of  a  tale-bearer  are  as 
wounds,  and  they  go  down  into  the 
innermost  parts  of  the  belly."  Prov. 
xxvi.  22.  "  Death  and  life  are  in  the 
power  of  the  tongue."     Prov.  xviii.  21. 

Among  mine  enemies  my  name 
A  proverb  vile  has  grown, 
While  to  my  neighbors  I  become 
Forgotten  and  unknown. 

Hard  lot  of  mine  !  my  days  are  cast 
Among  the  sons  of  strife, 


22         A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 

Whose  never-ceasing  quarrels  waste 
My  golden  hours  of  life. 

Peace  is  the  blessing  that  I  seek, 
How  lovely  are  its  charms  ! 
I  am  for  peace  ;  but  when  I  speak, 
They  all  declare  for  arms. 

Slander  and  fear,  on  every  side, 
Seized  and  beset  me  round : 
I  to  Thy  throne  of  grace  applied, 
And  speedy  rescue  found. 

Within  thy  sacred  presence,  Lord, 
Let  me  forever  dwell ; 
No  fenced  city,  walled  and  barred, 
Secures  a  saint  so  well. 

Fear  Him,  ye  saints  ;  and  you  will  then 
Have  nothing  else  to  fear ; 
Come,  make  His  service  your  delight ; 
He'll  make  your  cause  His  care. 

Watts. 
REAL  PERSECUTION. 

We  have  the  highest  authority  for 
saying  that  all  who  will  live  godly  in 
Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution. 


A    WORD   TO  THE    WEARY. 


23 


Although  in  most  lands  the  lion  is 
chained;  yet  everywhere  the  seed  of 
the  bondwoman  hates  the  seed  of  the 
freewoman.  It  has  always  been  so  ; 
so  it  will  continue  to  the  end  of  the 
reign  of  wickedness.  There  are  many 
ways  of  persecution,  even  in  free 
countries.  Social  proscription,  vex- 
atious lawsuits,  a  general  disposition 
to  disoblige,  the  withholding  of  what 
is  just  and  equal,  and  in  countless 
ways  harassing  with  malignity  those 
who  merit  no  such  measure  at  our 
hands,  are  very  common.  There  is 
often  persecution  in  one's  tone  and 
temper  towards  another,  in  his  words, 
and  in  countless  little  actions,  as  well 
as  in  tormenting  with  the  penalties  of 
laws  made  to  afflict  good  men.  In 
some  parts  of  the  world  the  whole 
system  of  taxation,  both  in  assessing 
and  collecting  it,  is  in  the  very  spirit 
of  persecution.     It  is  amazing   how 


24         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

far  even  good  men  sometimes  go,  not 
only  in  conniving  at  outrages  com- 
mitted on  others,  but  in  fanning  the 
flame  of  fury.  Many  others  profess 
to  hold  with  the  hare,  but  they  hunt 
with  the  hound.  The  number  of  men 
who  are  valiant  for  the  truth  and  the 
right  is  small.  A  large  number  of  at 
least  a  good  sort  of  men  will  say,  It 
is  no  good  thing  that  the  malicious 
are  doing ;  but  they  will  risk  nothing 
and  do  nothing  to  arrest  the  course 
of  malice  and  wrong-doing.  Even  in 
the  present  century  blood  has  been 
poured  out  like  water  in  the  cause 
of  truth  and  righteousness.  In  the 
early  ages  of  Christianity,  as  well  as 
since, 

"  Persecution  walked 
The  earth,  from  age  to  age,  and  drank  the 

blood 
Of  saints,  with  horrid  relish  drank  the  blood 
Of  God's  peculiar  children — and  was  drunk ; 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY,         2$ 

And   in   her  drunkenness  dreamed  of    doing 

good. 
The  supplicating  hand  of  innocence, 
That  made  the  tiger  mild,  and  in  his  wrath 
The  lion  pause — the  groans  of  suffering  most 
Severe,  were  naught  to  her :  she  laughed  at 

groans  : 
No  music  pleased  her  more  ;  and  no  repast 
So  sweet  to  her  as  blood  of  men  redeemed 
By  blood  of  Christ/' 

One  good  effect  of  persecution  in 
every  form  is  its  tendency  to  purify 
the  Church  of  God.  A  false  professor 
can  seldom  stand  such  a  test.  Milner 
says:  "  Persecution  often  does  in  this 
life  what  the  last  day  will  do  com- 
pletely— separate  the  wheat  from  the 
tares."  Blessed  be  God,  there  is  a 
land  where  persecution  never  reaches. 

And  will  the  God  of  grace 

Perpetual  silence  keep  ? 
The  God  of  Justice  hold  his  peace, 

And  let  His  vengeance  sleep? 


26         A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  \ 

Behold  what  cruel  snares 

The  men  of  mischief  spread ; 
The  men  that  hate  Thy  saints  and  Thee, 

Lift  up  their  threatening  head. 

Against  Thy  hidden  ones, 

Their  counsels  they  employ  ; 
And  malice,  with  her  watchful  eye, 

Pursues  them  to  destroy. 

"  Come,  let  us  join  (they  cry) 

To  root  them  from  the  ground, 
Till  not  the  name  of  saints  remain, 

Nor  memory  shall  be  found." 

Awake,  Almighty  God, 

And  call  Thy  power  to  mind  ; 
Make  them  to  bow  before  Thy  will, 

And  let  them  pardon  find. 

Convince  their  madness,  Lord, 

And  make  them  seek  Thy  name ; 
Or  else  their  impious  rage  confound, 

And  turn  their  pride  to  shame. 

Watts. 

DEATH   AND   THE    GRAVE. 

God's  people  know  that  they  must 
die.       As   naturally  as   others,  they 


A    WORD   TO    THE    WEARY.  2J 

shrink  from  pain  and  the  grave.  The 
love  of  life  was  probably  as  strong  in 
man  before  his  fall  as  it  is  now  in 
most  men.  The  temporal  penalty 
attached  to  eating  the  forbidden  fruit 
derived  its  force  from  a  desire  to 
live.  Some  good  people  are  consti- 
tutionally timid  ;  and  some  of  them 
are  much  inclined  to  look  on  the 
dark  side  of  things.  In  fact,  some 
habitually  expect  the  worst.  Unless 
we  are  sustained  by  hi^h  Christian 
hopes  and  principles,  sober  reflec- 
tion on  death  and  its  consequences 
must  beget  uneasiness  in  the  firmest. 
Nor  can  anything  wholly  and  per- 
manently remove  the  fear  of  death 
but  divine  grace.  Death  is  both  the 
king  of  tenors,  and  the  terror  of 
kings.  Men  have,  without  apparent 
alarm,  stormed  a  deadly  breach.  But 
when,  in  the  quiet  of  a  chamber,  they 
have  been  told  that  their  time  of  de- 


28         ^    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

parture  was  near,  fear  has  blanched 
their  cheek.  It  is  no  marvel  that  the 
mass  of  men  should  dwell  on  the  sub- 
ject with  real  discomfort.  It  greatly 
humbles  the  righteous  to  remember 
that  they  deserve  death,  and  even 
worse  than  any  temporal  suffering  can 
possibly  be.  Sometimes  their  sense  ot 
u n worthiness  is  accompanied  with 
low  spirits.  Then  it  looks  as  if  they  may 
expect  sorrow  upon  sorrow,  till  they 
are  swallowed  up  of  grief.  For  fifty- 
five  years  I  have  been  considerably 
familiar  with  beds  of  sickness  and  of 
death.  I  have  seen  many  die,  but  I 
have  not  in  that  time  seen  one  com- 
fortable death,  where  the  good  hope 
through  grace  in  Christ  was  want- 
ing ;  nor  have  I  ever  seen  the  right- 
eous forsaken  in  his  last  moments.  I 
once  knew  an  eminent  child  of  God, 
who  was  subject  to  seasons  of  insan- 
ity, accompanied  by  awful  depression 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  2g 

of  spirits.  She  had  such  a  spell  not 
long  before  death,  but  as  she  ap- 
proached near  her  end,  her  mind  be- 
came clear,  and  she  left  the  world  not 
only  tranquilly,  but  joyfully.  One 
thing  is  very  cheering  ;  it  is  that  the 
young,  the  nervous,  and  even  those 
who  had  long  been  in  bondage 
through  the  fear  of  death,  but  were 
able  to  put  their  whole  reliance  on 
Christ,  were  in  the  last  days  of  life 
among  the  very  bravest  and  bright- 
est of  dying  saints. 

Oh  !  to  be  ready  when  death  shall  come  ! 

Oh  !  to  be  ready  to  hasten  home  ! 

No  earthward  clinging,  no  lingering  gaze, 

No  strife  at  parting,  no  sore  amaze, 

No  chains  to  sever  that  earth  hath  twined, 

No  spell  to  loosen  that  love  would  bind. 

No  flitting  shadows  to  dim  the  light 
Of  the  angel-pinions  winged  for  flight, 
No  cloud-like  phantoms  to  fling  a  gloom 
Twixt  heaven's  bright  portals  and  earth's  dark 
tomb  ; 


30 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 


But  sweetly,  gently,  to  pass  away 
From  the  world's  dim  twilight  into  day. 

To  list  the  music  of  angel  lyres, 
To  catch  the  rapture  of  seraph  fires, 
To  lean  in  trust  on  the  risen  One, 
Till  borne  away  to  a  fadeless  throne. 
Oh  !  to  be  ready  when  death  shall  come  ! 
Oh  !  to  be  ready  to  hasten  home  ! 

Anon. 


THE    STATE    OF  THE    CHURCH   ON 
EARTH. 

This  often  makes  the  righteous  sad. 
In  all  nations  the  wicked  have  a  fear- 
ful power,  commonly  a  large  major- 
ity ;  and  they  wield  their  power 
against  the  truth.  Every  govern- 
ment on  earth  is  more  or  less  anti- 
Christian  in  its  laws  and  usages. 
The  love  of  many,  from  whom  good 
things  had  been  expected,  has  wax- 
ed cold  ;  many  turn  aside  to  fables 
and  to  jangling;  some   embrace  and 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


31 


disseminate  troublesome  notions ; 
others  hold  and  propagate  damnable 
heresies.  Even  Charity  itself,  be- 
cause it  rejoiceth  in  the  truth,  dares 
not  hope  that  the  mass  of  nominal 
Christians  and  teachers  in  the  visible 
Church  are  the  real  friends  of  God. 
World liness,  vanity,  formality,  sloth, 
backsliding,  want  of  tenderness  of 
conscience,  and  lack  of  zeal,  are  fear- 
fully prevalent.  Among  the  pious  is 
often  heard  the  cry,  "  Where  is  the 
Lord  God  of  Elijah  ?"  Barren  ordi- 
nances and  an  unfruitful  ministry  fill 
the  pious  with  grief.  No  famine  is 
so  dreadful  as  a  famine  of  the  Word 
of  God  ;  no  drought  is  so  much  to  be 
deprecated  as  a  dearth  of  spiritual 
influences.  When  the  heavens  be- 
come brass,  and  glow  like  a  furnace, 
and  the  earth  becomes  iron,  man  and 
beast  are  often  in  great  straits.  But, 
if  the  whole  Church  of  God   at  that 


32         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

very  time  were  thrifty  and  abundant 
in  every  good  work,  joy  might  still 
abound.  It  is  sad  indeed  when  few  of 
the  sens  of  the  Church  offer  them- 
selves to  be  her  ministers, when  pillars 
in  the  temple  are  fallen,  and  others  rise 
not  up  to  take  their  place.  That  was 
a  doleful  cry  of  the  prophet,  "  Help, 
Lord,  for  the  godly  man  ceaseth ;  for 
the  faithful  fail  from  among  the  chil- 
dren of  men."  Ps.  xii.  I.  One  sight 
is  inconceivably  sad  :  it  is  that  of  a 
rich  harvest  perishing  for  the  want 
of  reapers  to  gather  it  in. 

Saviour,  visit  Thy  plantation  ; 

Grant  us,  Lord,  a  gracious  rain  : 
All  will  come  to  desolation, 

Unless  Thou  return  again  : 
Lord,  revive  us ; 
All  our  help  must  come  from  Thee. 

Keep  no  longer  at  a  distance, 

Shine  upon  us  from  on  high ; 
Lest  for  want  of  Thine  assistance, 


A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY.         33 

Every  plant  should  droop  and  die  ; 
Lord,  revive  us ; 
All  our  help  must  come  from  Thee. 

Let  our  mutual  love  be  fervent, 
Make  us  prevalent  in  prayers  ; 

Let  each  one  esteemed  Thy  servant, 
Shun  the  world's  bewitching  snares. 

Lord,  revive  us ; 

All  our  help  must  come  from  Thee. 

Break  the  tempter's  fatal  power ; 

Turn  the  stony  heart  to  flesh  ; 
And  begin  from  this  good  hour, 

To  revive  Thy  work  afresh. 
Lord,  revive  us  ; 
All  our  help  must  come  from  Thee. 

Newton. 

THE   SPIRITUAL  WARFARE. 

Heavy  as  are  the  other  trials  of  the 
Christian  life,  their  power  of  pro- 
ducing" distress  is  not  comparable  to 
spiritual  distress.  The  greatest  war- 
fare is  the  conflict  with  sin  and  temp- 
tation. To  be  tempted  of  the  devil 
3 


34         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

is,  in  a  sense,  to  be  tormented  of  the 
devil;  and  when  the  heart  at  all 
yields  to  the  seductions  of  the  wick- 
ed one,  and  the  conscience  is  defiled 
by  sin,  the  anguish  is  sometimes  in- 
tolerable. Read  and  study  the  32d, 
51st,  and  130th  Psalms,  if  you  would 
know  how  sin  has  of  old  seduced  and 
afflicted.  "  The  spirit  of  a  man  sus- 
taineth  his  infirmity  ;  but  a  wounded 
spirit  who  can  bear?"  In  their  own 
spiritual  state,  the  pious  often  find 
cause  of  discomfort  and  weariness 
hardly  capable  of  expression.  Long 
after  David  knew  and  loved  God,  he 
compares  his  distresses  to  broken 
bones;  he  is  so  covered  with  shame 
that  he  cannot  look  up ;  he  forgets  to 
take  bread,  and  piteously  cries  out, 
"Iniquities  prevail  against  me !"  Look 
at  Peter  going  out  and  weeping  bit- 
terly. Hear  Paul  saying,  "  O,  wretch- 
ed man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


35 


me?"  By  Isaiah,  the  whole  Church 
says,  "  Our  iniquities,  like  the  wind, 
have  taken  us  away."  Is.  lxiv.  6. 
Sometimes  these  spiritual  conflicts 
are  rendered  more  distressing  by  the 
hiding  of  God's  countenance.  One's 
fellowship  does  not  then  seem  to  be 
with  the  Father  and  with  the  Son. 
When  close  and  comfortable  com- 
munion with  God  is  much  interrupt- 
ed, one  feels  that  his  Helper  and 
Friend  is  gone.  At  such  times  pray- 
er is  almost  a  task,  praise  almost  a 
burden,  and  Satan  seems  to  be  let 
loose,  and  even  blasphemies  are  thrust 
into  the  mind.  Then  despairing 
thoughts  are  almost  overpowering. 
Sin  becomes  bold.  Resistance  seems 
unavailing.  The  soul  cries  for  help, 
but  there  is  none;  for  salvation,  but 
it  is  afar  off.  The  terrors  of  the  Law 
are  let  loose.  Conscience  thunders. 
God  Himself  seems  to  have  forgotten 


36         A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 

to  be  gracious.  Then,  with  Jere- 
miah, the  soul  cries  out,  u  Why  is 
my  pain  perpetual,  and  my  wound 
incurable,  which  refuseth  to  be  heal- 
ed? wilt  thou  altogether  be  unto  me 
as  a  liar,  and  as  waters  that  fail?" 
Jer.  xv.  18.  Perhaps  the  words  of 
the  Psalmist  still  better  express  the 
feeling  of  the  soul :  "  Will  the  Lord 
cast  off  forever  ?  and  will  He  be  fa- 
vorable no  more?  Is  his  mercy  clean 
gone  forever?  doth  his  promise  fail 
forevermore  ?  hath  God  forgotten  to 
be  gracious?  hath  He,  in  anger,  shut 
up  his  tender  mercies  ?"  Ps.  lxxvii. 
7-9.  The  old  cry,  "  O  Lord,  how 
long?"  is  often  heard  in  the  assem- 
blies of  the  saints. 

When  my  sins,  in  aspect  dread, 
Meet  like  waters  o'er  my  head, 
Seen  in  light  of  God's  own  face, 
Darker  for  his  offered  grace  ; 
When  I  sigh  for  healing  rest, 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY.         37 

By  a  hopeless  yoke  opprest, 
Struggling  in  a  grasp  too  strong, 
Borne,  as  by  a  wind,  along  ; 
Then  I  hear  that  voice  from  heaven  : 
"  Knock,  and  entrance  shall  be  given." 

Anon. 


Sometimes  very  strange  temptations 
overtake  the  people  of  God.  Time 
would  fail  to  state  the  half  of  them. 
Here  is  one.  In  a  letter,  John  New- 
ton says  :  "  I  was  for  a  while  troubled 
with  a  very  singular  thought.  .  .  I 
seemed  not  so  much  afraid  of  wrath 
and  punishment  as  of  being  lost  and 
overlooked  amidst  the  myriads  that 
are  continually  entering  the  unseen 
world.  *  What  is  my  soul,'  thought 
I, '  among  such  an  innumerable  multi- 
tude of  beings?'  And  this  troubled 
me  greatly.  Perhaps  the  Lord  would 
take  no  notice  of  me.  I  was  thus 
greatly  perplexed. "  In  like  manner, 
Pollock  says  of  himself  that — ■ 


38 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


" — he  as  some  atom  seemed  which  God 
Had  made  superfluously,  and  needed  not 
To  build  creation  with  ;  but  back  again 
To  nothing  threw,  and  left  it  in  the  void, 
With  everlasting  sense  that  once  it  was." 

However  strange  such  thoughts 
may  seem  to  those  who  never  had 
them,  yet  there  is  laid  for  them  a 
broad  foundation  in  the  ignorance, 
guilt,  and  fears  of  unregenerate  na- 
ture. Even  where  grace  has  im- 
parted some  knowledge  of  God  and 
His  mercy  to  sinners,  such  fears  may 
spring  up.  A  consciousness  of  one's 
unworthiness,  and  inability  to  be  prof- 
itable to  God  ;  a  strong  sense  of  ill- 
desert,  accompanied  with  weak  faith 
in  the  divine  mercy  and  perfections 
may  much  depress  a  pious  mind. 
Feeling  unworthy  of  any  notice  from 
God,  it  fears  He  may  doom  it  to  ever- 
lasting neglect  and  eternal  desolation. 
When   God  seems  to  be  pursuing  it 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.         39 

in  displeasure,  the  soul  says,  as  Da- 
vid said  to  Saul,  u  After  whom  is  the 
King  of  Israel  come  out?  after  whom 
dost  thou  pursue?  after  a  dead  dog, 
after  a  flea?"  Sam.  xxiv.  14.  To  the 
same  effect  Job  speaks  in  his  distress: 
"  Wilt  thou  break  a  leaf  driven  to 
and  fro?  and  .wilt  thou  pursue  the 
dry  stubble?"  Job  xiii.  25.  And 
because  one  feels  as  if  he  were  be- 
neath the  dignity  of  God's  wrath,  he 
also  fears  that  he  may  be  beneath  the 
regards  of  His  mercy. 

Sometimes  the  wicked  one  besets 
good  men  with  doubts  concerning 
the  omniscience  or  omnipresence  of 
God.  It  seems  to  them  that  God  is 
not  noticing  what  takes  place.  Their 
faith  is  weak,  and  they  sink  into  de- 
spondent thoughts.  One  goes  "  for- 
ward, but  God  is  not  there;  and 
backward,  but  he  cannot  perceive 
him  ;  on  the  left-hand,  where  he  doth 


40        A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 

work,  but  he  cannot  behold  him  ;  he 
hideth  himself  on  the  right  hand,  that 
he  cannot  see  him."  Job  xxiii.  8,  9. 
In  its  trouble,  the  soul,  not  seeing 
God,  thinks  God  does  not  see  it.  The 
"eyes  fail,  from  looking  upward." 
No  God  appears;  no  helper  comes. 
Then  the  tempter  urges  that  God 
does  not  see,  or  does  not  regard.  In 
such  a  state  men  are  ready  to  say : 
"  Master,  carest  Thou  not  that  we 
perish?  "Mark  iv.  38. 

The  absence  of  a  firm  faith  in  God's 
watchful  care  will  destroy  one's  com- 
fort. 

"AS  ONE  WHOM  HIS  MOTHER  COMFORT- 
ETH,  SO  WILL  I  COMFORT  YOU." 

"  So  will  I  comfort  you,"  as  when  a  sobbing 
child 
Seeks  sweet  heart-comfort  on  its  mother's 
breast ; 
By  her  caresses  fond,  unconsciously  beguiled 
From  memories  of  pain,  soon  sinks  to  rest. 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 


41 


"  Ye  shall  be  comforted."     Our  hearts  are  faint 
and  sore  ; 
We  would  be  little  children  once  again ; 
But  childhood  would  bring  back  the  griefs  we 
knew  of  yore, 
But  not  the  mother  who  caressed  us  then. 

We  need  a  stronger  love,  we  seek  a  deeper 
rest, 
Whose  type  and  earnest  we  once  knew  in 
this ; 
The  nestling  of  the  child  upon  its   mother's 
breast, 
The  sweet  dreams  won  us  by  her  "  good- 
night "  kiss. 

Lord  !  grant  us  restful  sleep,  untroubled,  sweet 

and  calm  ; 

Not  fitful  slumbers,  'mid  life's  fevered  dream. 

Oh,  seal  our  weary  eyelids  with  thy  touch  of 

balm, 

Not  to  re-ope  until  the  Great  Day's  gleam. 

We  only  wait,  as  minors,  till  the  glad  Birthday 
Shall  crown   us   kings  before   our  Father's 
throne. 
As  princely  exiles  here,  we  struggle,  toil,  and 
pray, 
With  eyes,  by  watching,  very  weary  grown. 


42 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 


For  comfortless,  aye,  orphan'd,  Thou  dost  nevei 
make 
Thy  children.     Trusting  hearts  are  kept  in 
peace, 
And  when  our  night-time  comes,  ThouTt  bid 
us  sleep  to  wake 
Where  every  sob  is  hushed,  and  sorrows  cease. 

THE   WORLD   DENIES   GOD'S    SAINTS. 

It  often  distresses  the  pious  that 
men  of  the  world  do  not  ad-mit  their 
claims  to  sonship  with  God.  It  is  a 
remarkable  fact  that  when  the  Phari- 
sees were  in  the  last  stages  of  cor- 
ruption, they  were  in  the  greatest 
favor  with  the  uncircumcised  in 
heart.  It  is  no  less  true  that  the 
more  pure  and  holy  any  body  ol 
men  have  been,  the  more  malignant 
have  been  their  enemies.  Even  the 
claims  of  Jesus  to  a  spotless  purity 
were  so  far  from  being  admitted,  that 
he  was  said  to  be  in  league  with  the 
prince  of  the  devils.     In  like  maimer 


A    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY,        43 

the  world  hates  the  followers  of 
Christ,  and  denies  their  claims  to 
saintship. 

Tis  no  surprising  thing, 

That  we  should  be  unknown  ; 

The  Jewish  world  knew  not  their  King, 
God's  everlasting  Son. 

Sometimes  this  uncharitable  spirit 
extends  to  even  some  of  the  profess- 
ed followers  of  Christ.  In  almost 
every  age  there  have  been  some  who 
cried,  with  a  loud  voice :  "  The  tem- 
ple of  the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the 
Lord  are  we" — we  are  the  Church — 
salvation  is  secured  only  in  our  com- 
munion—  ye  are  all  in  your  sins. 
Such  conduct  not  only  displays  con- 
summate vanity  in  these  boasters, 
but  it  often  deeply  wounds  the  ten- 
der spirit  of  the  true  Christian.  Al- 
though he  may  not  complain  of  it,  it 
is  not  without  its  effect  on  his  heart 


44 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


It  sinks  his  spirits.  He  is  sad  either  be- 
cause he  fears  that  he  may  be  wrong, 
or  because  it  grieves  him  to  find  any 
professed  friend  of  Christ  so  carried 
away  by  uncharitableness.  In  almost 
every  ship  are  some  passengers,  who 
make  themselves  disagreeable  by 
their  unamiable  or  disobliging  tem- 
pers. Some  are  vastly  self-conceited. 
They  claim  to  know  everything. 
They  find  fault  with  the  navigation 
of  the  ship.  They  see  how  it  might 
be  much  better  done.  They  are 
querulous,  and  never  in  a  good  hu- 
mor. At  such  times  and  in  such  cir- 
cumstances, our  wisdom  is  to  cease 
from  man  and  go  to  God,  our  exceed- 
ing joy.  He  is  a  very  present  help 
in  trouble. 

A  mighty  fortress  is  our  God, 
A  bulwark  never  failing ; 

Our  helper  He  amid  the  flood 
Of  mortal  ills  prevailing. 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY, 

For  still  our  ancient  foe 
Doth  seek  to  work  us  woe  ; 
His  craft  and  power  are  great, 
And  armed  with  cruel  hate, 
On  earth  is  not  his  equal. 

Did  we  in  our  own  strength  confide, 

Our  striving  would  be  losing  ; 
Were  not  the  right  man  on  our  side, 
The  man  of  God's  own  choosing. 
Dost  ask  who  that  may  be  ? 
Christ  Jesus,  it  is  He. 
Lord  Sabaoth  His  name, 
From  age  to  age  the  same, 
And  He  must  win  the  battle. 


And  though  this  world  with  devils  filled, 

Should  threaten  to  undo  us, 
We  will  not  fear,  for  God  hath  willed 

His  truth  to  triumph  thro'  us. 
The  Prince  of  darkness  grim, 
We  tremble  not  for  him  : 

His  rage  we  can  endure — 

For  lo  !  his  doom  is  sure  ; 
One  little  word  shall  fell  him. 

That  word  above  all  earthly  powers, 
No  thanks  to  them,  abideth  ; 


45 


46         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

The  Spirit  and  the  gifts  are  ours, 
Through  Him  who  with  us  sideth. 
Let  good  and  kindred  go, 
This  mortal  life  also  ; 
The  body  they  may  kill, 
God's  truth  abideth  still, 
His  kingdom  is  forever. 

Luther. 

LEANNESS   AND    BARRENNESS 
LAMENTED. 

It  is  sad  when  the  chief  song  oi 
the  believer  is  over  his  own  leanness. 
If  a  vine-tree  brings  forth  no  good 
grapes,  it  is  good  for  nothing  but  to 
be  burned.  So  says  and  argues  the 
great  prophet  of  the  river  Chebar. 
Ezek.  xv.  If  God  has  done  every- 
thing proper  to  be  done  to  his  vine- 
yard, it  ought  to  bring  forth  good 
grapes.  "  Now  are  ye  my  friends,  if 
ye  do  whatseover  I  command  you.M 
"  Herein  is  my  Father  glorified  that 
ye  bear  much  fruit."     It  is  dreadful 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


47 


so  to  live  as  to  incur  the  blighting 
curse  sent  on  the  barren  fig-tree. 
God  is  never  glorified  by  a  heartless, 
fruitless  profession.  A  good  man 
deplores  the  want  of  zeal  and  useful- 
ness in  his  brethren,  but  most  of  all 
in  himself.  Blessed  Paul  was  very 
intent  that  he  himself  should  not  run 
in  vain,  neither  labor  in  vain.  Phil. 
ii.  16.  No  preaching  is  more  useful 
to  Christians  than  that  which  makes 
them  humble  for  past  neglect,  and 
zealous  of  good  works.  Those  writ- 
ings, which  abase  pride  and  beget 
liveliness  in  the  work  of  God,  should 
be  much  studied.  The  following 
hymn  has  long  been  a  favorite  in 
the  devotions  of  the  closet.  It  is 
entitled, 

UNFRUITFULNESS   LAMENTED. 

Long  have  I  sat  beneath  the  sound 
Of  thy  salvation,  Lord  ; 


48         A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 

But  still  how  weak  my  faith  is  found, 
And  knowledge  of  Thy  word. 

Oft  I  frequent  Thy  holy  place, 

And  hear  almost  in  vain  ; 
How  small  a  portion  of  Thy  grace 

Can  my  false  heart  retain  ! 

How  cold  and  feeble  is  my  love  ! 

How  negligent  my  fear  ! 
How  low  my  hope  of  joys  above  ! 

How  few  affections  there  ! 

Great  God,  thy  sovereign  power  impart, 

To  give  Thy  word  success  ; 
Write  Thy  salvation  on  my  heart, 

And  make  me  learn  Thy  grace. 

A  holy  life,  fruitful  in  good  works, 
is  essential  to  the  making  of  our  call- 
ing and  election  sure.  But  alas ! 
"  Men  will  wrangle  for  religion ; 
write  for  it ;  fight  for  it ;  die  for  it ; 
anything  but  live  for  it." 

We  never  do  our  duty  till  we  stir 
ourselves  up  to  take  hold  upon  God. 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


49 


All  really  good  works  have  their 
root  and  beginning  in  unfeigned  faith 
in  Christ.  John  vi.  28,  29;  Heb.  xi. 
6.  And  all  true  evangelical  faith 
leads  to  holiness,  because  it  is  itself 
the  very  germ  of  holiness  in  a  sin- 
ner's heart. 

God's  people  sometimes  fall  into  a 
great  error  respecting  their  duty. 
The  layman  wishes  he  could  preach. 
The  preacher  wishes  he  could  turn 
philanthropist.  The  philanthropist 
thinks  the  patient  sufferer  far  excels 
him  in  glorifying  God.  The  patient 
sufferer  wishes  he  could  lead  a  life 
of  active  usefulness.  The  best  way 
is  for  every  one  to  stand  in  his  lot, 
and  do  his  duty  there.  Let  Mordecai 
be  porter,  till  God  calls  him  to  guide 
the  State.  Let  Daniel  go  to  the  lions' 
c\en.  The  path  of  his  duty  lies  right 
through  that,  cage  of  ferocious  ani- 
mals. Let  Aquila  and  Priscilla  make 
4 


50         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

tents  when  they  have  nothing  better 
to  do.  Let  Peter  feed  the  sheep  and 
lambs. 

Hark  !  the  voice  of  Jesus  crying, 

"  Who  will  go  and  work  to-day  ? 
Fields  are  white,  and  harvests  waiting : 

Who  will  bear  the  sheaves  away  ?  " 
Loud  and  long  the  Master  calleth  ; 

Rich  reward  he  offers  free  ; 
Who  will  answer,  gladly  saying, 

"  Here  am  I  ;  send  me,  send  me." 

If  you  cannot  cross  the  ocean, 

And  the  heathen  lands  explore, 
You  can  find  the  heathen  nearer, 

You  can  help  them  at  your  door. 
If  you  cannot  give  your  thousands, 

You  can  give  the  widow's  mite  ; 
And  the  least  you  give  for  Jesus 

Will  be  precious  in  His  sight. 

If  you  cannot  speak  like  angels, 
If  you  cannot  preach  like  Paul, 

You  can  tell  the  love  of  Jesus, 
You  can  say  He  died  for  all. 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.  51 

If  you  cannot  rouse  the  wicked 
With  the  judgment's  dread  alarms, 

You  can  lead  the  little  children 
To  the  Saviour's  waiting  arms. 


Let  none  hear  you  idly  saying, 

"  There  is  nothing  I  can  do/' 
While  the  souls  of  men  are  dying, 

And  the  Master  calls  for  you. 
Take  the  task  he  gives  you  gladly ; 

Let  your  work  your  pleasure  be  ; 
Answer  quickly  when  he  callerh, 

"  Here  am  I  :  send  me,  send  me." 

A  non, 

THE   SUM   OF   THE   WHOLE. 

When  one  looks  at  these  things, 
perceives  the  great  cleceitfulness  of 
his  own  heart,  sees  the  working  of 
the  mystery7  of  iniquity  in  the  world, 
beholds  the  abounding  of  error  on  all 
religious  subjects,  botli  doctrinal  and 
practical,  witnesses  many  sad  and 
shameful  apostasies  and  gross  self- 
deceptions,    his    soul    is    cast    down 


52         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

within  him.  Abraham  is  ignorant  of 
him,  and  Israel  acknowledges  him 
not.  His  faith  is  so  weak  that  he 
fails  confidently  to  claim  sonship  with 
God.  His  title  to  heaven  is  not  so 
clear  as  he  could  wish.  In  many 
ways  he  is  at  a  disadvantage. 

For  all  such  I  have  a  word  in  sea- 
son : 

I.  A  Word  of  Instruction  ; 
II.  A  Word  of  Encouragement ; 
III.  A  Word  of  Caution. 


I. — A   WORD   OF   INSTRUCTION. 

I.  Whatever  be  the  case  of  any  one, 
the  basis  which  God  has  laid  for  the 
faith,  support,  encouragement,  vic- 
tor)- and  final  salvation  of  his  people 
is  ample  and  covers  the  whole  case: 
"  The  foundation  of  God  standeth 
sure,  having  this  seal,  The  Lord 
knoweth    them    that  are   his.      And, 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


53 


Let  every  one  that  nameth  the  name 
of  Christ  depart  from  iniquity."  2 
Tim.  ii.  19.  Every  heir  of  life  is 
known  of  God,  and  God  is  known  of 
him.  His  record  is  on  high  ;  and  he 
hates  sin  and  loves  holiness.  These 
are  the  main  pillars  on  which  rests 
the  fabric  of  Christian  hopes,  joys, 
safety  and  consolation.  God  has  full 
intelligence  of  all  that  takes  place,  or 
that  can  take  place.  His  omniscience 
covers  everything.  He  can  see  a 
grain  of  wheat  in  a  bushel  of  chaff. 
He  never  regards  a  sheep  as  a  goat, 
nor  the  wheat  as  tares.  He  has  a 
distinct  vision  of  all  matters  relating 
to  the  best  interests  of  all  his  people. 
He  infallibly  distinguishes  the  weak 
saint  from  all  vain  pretenders  around 
him.  Though  Noah  lived  in  a  world 
wholly  given  up  to  sin  and  folly,  yet 
God  knew  him  from  all  his  genera- 
tion.   Though  righteous  Lot  was  the 


54         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

only  good  man  among  the  thousands, 
and  perhaps  millions  in  the  plain  of 
Sodom,  yet  God  discerned  between 
his  servant  and  his  ungodly  neigh- 
bors. In  peace  and  in  war,  by  sea 
or  on  land,  on  mountains  or  in  cities, 
in  dens  or  in  deserts,  in  prisons  or  in 
palaces,  God  has  never  failed  to  rec- 
ognize believers  as  his  friends,  how- 
ever obscure  or  distrustful  of  them- 
selves. 

There  is  a  still  higher  sense  in 
which  God  knows  His  people,  i.  e.,  he 
approves  them  and  regards  them 
with  favor.  See  Ps.  i.  6;  Amos  iii.  2. 
Often  has  the  word  this  sense.  The 
fountain  of  this  kind  regard  is  in 
God's  infinite  and  everlasting  love 
and  mercy.  God  looks  upon  His 
people  in  the  face  of  Christ  Jesus  ; 
and  He  loves  the  image  of  Christ 
which  they  bear  in  their  hearts.  All 
the  saints  are  "  elect  according  to  the 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  5- 

foreknowledge  of  God  the  Father." 
1  Pet.  i.  2.  "  Whom  he  did  fore- 
know, he  also  did  predestinate  to  be 
conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son, 
that  he  might  be  the  first-born  among 
many  brethren.  Moreover,  whom 
he  did  predestinate,  them  he  also 
called:  and  whom  he  called,  them  he 
also  justified  :  and  whom  he  justified, 
them  he  also  glorified."  Rom.  viii. 
29,  30 ;  compare  Eph.  i.  3-6.  God 
knows  all  the  affairs  of  His  people  as 
they  now  stand,  or  as  they  shall  here- 
after stand.  He  loves  His  own.  He 
loves  them  infinitely.  He  has  loved 
them  with  an  everlasting  love.  Men 
may  hate  and  deride  them,  but  God 
pities  and  cherishes  them.  Their 
judgment  is  with  their  God.  Their 
names  are  in  the  book  of  life.  Their 
Saviour  reigns.  If  we  cannot  do  all 
the  good  we  wish,  let  us  do  all  the 
good  we  can.     Let  all  remember  that 


56        A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 

God  knows  and  approves  their  unful- 
filled desires  and  unaccomplished 
plans  of  usefulness. 

"  So  do  I  gather  strength  and  hope  anew  ; 

For  well  I  know  Thy  patient  love  perceives 
Not  what  I  did,  but  what  I  strove  to  do — 
And  though  the  full  ripe  ears  be  sadly  few, 

Thou  wilt  accept  my  sheaves." 

Though  the  Lord  did  not  permit 
David  to  build  the  temple,  yet  He 
took  it  well  of  him  to  meditate  so 
pious  a  work,  and  gather  much  of 
the  treasure  necessary  to  accomplish 
it.  Every  epistle  to  the  seven  church- 
es of  Asia  has  in  it  these  words :  "  I 
know  thy  works.1'  He  knows  alt 
about  them.  And  He  knows  all 
about  His  people — their  joys  and 
sorrows,  their  pains  and  pleasures, 
their  poverty  and  purposes.  If  we 
are  distressed  about  food  and  raiment, 
He  knows  that  we  have  need  of 
these  things.     The   Lord    will  pro- 


A    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY.         57 

vide.  Not  a  sparrow  is  forgotten 
before  him.  And  are  ye  not  of  more 
value  than  many  sparrows?  The 
Good  Shepherd  calleth  the  sheep  by 
name.  He  knows  them  well.  John 
x.  3,  14. 

My  God,  whose  gracious  pity  I  may  claim, 
Calling  thee  Father — sweet  endearing  name — • 
The  sufferings  of  this  weak  and  weary  frame, 
All,  all  are  known  to  Thee. 

Each  secret  conflict  with  indwelling  sin, 
Each  sickening  fear  I  ne'er  the  prize  shall  win, 
Each  pang  from  irritation,  turmoil,  sin, — 
All,  all  is  known  to  Thee. 

Nay,  all  by  Thee  is  ordered,  chosen,  planned, 
Each  drop  that  fills  my  daily  cup,  Thy  hand 
Prescribes,  for  ills  none  else  can  understand  ; 
All,  all  is  known  to  Thee. 

And  welcome,  precious  worthy  Spirit,  make 
My  little  drop  of  suffering  for  His  sake ; 
Father,  the  cup  I  drink,  the  path  I  take, 
All,  all  is  known  to  thee. 

A  n oh. 


58         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

On  the  seal  of  God  may  also  be 
found  this  inscription :  u  Let  him  that 
nameth  the  name  of  Christ  depart 
from  iniquity."  "  If  a  man  therefore 
purge  himself  from  these  [sinful  lusts], 
he  shall  be  a  vessel  unto  honor,  sanc- 
tified and  meet  for  the  Master's  use, 
and  prepared  unto  every  good  work,'' 
2  Tim.  ii.  21.  God  never  intended 
that  His  people  should  have  consola- 
tion, except  in  the  way  of  holiness. 
If  men  believe  that  the  moral  law 
is  not  binding  as  a  rule  of  life,  they 
will  wallow  in  the  mire  of  sin.  It  is 
not  safe  for  any  man  to  bless  himself 
in  his  iniquity.  "  Say  ye  to  the 
wicked,  it  shall  be  ill  with  him."  He 
who  approves  and  allows  sin,  is  in 
the  bonds  of  iniquity.  Scougal  says  : 
"  I  had  rather  see  the  real  impres- 
sions of  a  god-like  nature  upon  my 
own  soul,  than  have  a  vision  from 
heaven,  or  an  angel  sent  to  tell  me, 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


59 


that  my  name  was  enrolled  in  the 
book  of  life."  Men  may  boast  of  free 
grace,  and  rejoice  in  justification  by 
faith,  and  talk  fluently  of  other  Scrip 
ture  doctrines,  but  all  will  be  in  vain 
if  they  remain  filthy  and  unholy.  No 
man  can  prove  himself  a  Christian, 
if  he  does  not  hate  sin.  Among  the 
ancients  the  entrance  to  the  temple 
of  honor  was  through  the  temple  of 
virtue.  He  who  would  ascend  to 
glory  must  be  first  pure.  Without 
holiness,  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord. 
But  he,  who  hates  sin  and  perfects 
holiness,  may  know  that  he  is  of  God. 
"  To  be  amended  by  a  little  cross, 
afraid  of  a  little  sin,  and  affected  with 
a  little  mercy,  is  a  good  evidence  of 
grace  in  the  soul."  But  no  unre- 
newed man  can  truly  say,  "  I  hate 
every  false  way  ;  "  "  With  my  mind 
I  serve  the  law."  It  is  folly  not  to 
believe  that  he  that  doeth  righteous- 


60         ^    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

ness  is  righteous,  or  that  he  that  com- 
mitteth  sin  is  of  the  devil.  I  John 
iii.  7,  8.  Personal  holiness  is  the  only 
satisfactory  evidence  of  our  accept- 
ance with  God.  He  who  loves  it  has 
rejoicing  in  himself,  and  not  in  an- 
other. Man's  destiny  is  determined 
in  this  life.  His  character  is  formed 
here,  and  it  may  be  known  here. 

LONGING   FOR  HOLINESS. 

Oh,  that  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways 

To  keep  His  statutes  still  ! 
Oh,  that  my  God  would  grant  me  grace 

To  know  and  do  His  will  ! 

Oh,  send  Thy  Spirit  down  to  write 

Thy  law  upon  my  heart  ! 
Nor  let  my  tongue  indulge  deceit, 

Nor  act  the  liar's  part. 

From  vanity  turn  off  my  eyes  ; 

Let  no  corrupt  design, 
Nor  covetous  desires,  arise 

Within  this  soul  of  mine. 


A   WORD  TO  THE   WEARY,         6 1 

Order  my  footsteps  by  Thy  word, 
And  make  my  heart  sincere  ; 

Let  sin  have  no  dominion,  Lord, 
But  keep  my  conscience  clear. 

My  soul  hath  gone  too  far  astray, 

My  feet  too  often  slip  ; 
Yet,  since  I've  not  forgot  Thy  way, 

Restore  Thy  wandering  sheep. 

Make  me  to  walk  in  Thy  commands, 

'Tis  a  delightful  road  ; 
Nor  let  my  head,  nor  heart,  nor  hands 

Offend  against  my  God. 

2.  In  the  being",  perfections  and 
government  of  God  is  laid  a  sure 
foundation  for  the  solace  of  God's 
people.  The  darkest  gulf  into  which 
the  mind  of  man  can  look  is  that  of 
atheism.  Nor  can  any  scheme  of 
thought  present  the  world  otherwise 
than  as  a  helpless  orphan,  unless  we 
admit  that  God  is,  and  that  he  has 
an  infinitely  excellent  nature,  and  that 
He  governs  all  things.    God  lacks  no 


62         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

attribute,  the  existence  of  which 
could  cheer  a  good  man,  nor  is  His 
government  weak,  or  foolish,  or  par- 
tial, or  precarious.  "  The  Lord  reign- 
eth  ;  let  the  earth  rejoice."  Ps.  xcvii.  I. 
No  words  are  better  suited  to  quiet 
any  pious  heart  than  these  :  "  It  is 
the  Lord." 

The  Lord  Jehovah  reigns, 

His  throne  is  built  on  high  ; 
The  garments  He  assumes 

Are  light  and  majesty. 
His  glories  shine  with  beams  so  bright, 
No  mortal  eye  can  bear  the  sight. 

The  thunders  of  His  hand 
Keep  the  wide  world  in  awe  ; 

His  wrath  and  justice  stand 
To  guard  His  holy  law  ; 

And  where  His  love  resolves  to  bless, 

His  truth  confirms  and  seals  the  grace. 

Through  all  His  ancient  works, 

Surprising  wisdom  shines  ; 
Confounds  the  powers  of  hell, 

And  breaks  their  cursed  designs. 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.         63 

Strong  is  His  arm,  and  shall  fulfill 
His  great  decrees,  His  sovereign  will. 

And  can  this  mighty  King 

Of  glory  condescend, 
And  will  He  write  His  name, 

My  Father  and  my  Friend  ? 
I  love  His  name,  I  love  His  word  ; 
Join  all  my  powers  and  praise  the  Lord. 

3.  Nor  has  the  history  of  God's  deal- 
ings with  His  people  left  any  room 
for  doubt  that  He  will  be  with  His 
own,  and  help  them  to  the  end. 
Tell  me,  O  vexed  soul,  when  did 
God  ever  forsake  the  righteous,  and 
leave  him  to  perish  ?  Now,  all  God 
has  done,  He  will  do  again  when  the 
necessities  of  His  people  demand  it. 
Salvation  wrought  for  David  or 
Daniel  is  as  good  ground  of  support 
to  a  believer  of  this  dav,  as  if  it  were 
part  of  his  own  experience.  Nor  is 
this  all.  God  has  good  cause  for  all 
He  does.    He  knows  that  he  is  acting 


64         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

wisely.  If  we  could  understand  what 
He  is  doing,  we  should  heartily  ap- 
prove it.  The  darkest  event  that 
ever  happened  in  the  Church  of  God 
was  the  death  and  burial  of  His  holy 
child,  Jesus.  Yet,  from  that  came 
life  and  salvation  to  the  whole  Church. 
His  counsels  are  of  old  faithfulness 
and  truth.  No  plans,  no  methods, 
no  counsels  are  as  good  as  His.  He 
manages  all  perfectly.  Give  Him 
time  to  explain  Himself. 

Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense, 
But  trust  Him  for  His  grace  ; 

Behind  a  frowning  Providence, 
He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  every  hour  : 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower. 

Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err, 
And  scan  His  work  in  vain  ; 

God  is  His  own  interpreter, 
And  he  will  make  it  plain. 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.         65 

4.  Moreover,  grace  and  strength 
are  pledged  to  carry  all  believers 
through  the  worst  trials,  through  all 
the  trials  that  may  come  upon  them. 
They  may  be  huge,  but  divine  grace 
can  make  the  worm  Jacob  to  thresh 
the  mountains.  Hear  God's  promises  : 
4i  As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength 
be."  i4  Fear  not:  for  I  have  redeem- 
ed thee,  I  have  called  thee  by  thy 
name;  thou  art  mine;  when  thou 
passest  through  the  waters,  I  will 
be  with  thee ;  and  through  the  rivers, 
they  shall  not  overflow  thee;  when 
thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou 
shalt  not  be  burned  ;  neither  shall 
the  flame  kindle  upon  thee."  "  I  will 
not  leave  you  comfortless  ;  I  will  come 
unto  you."  "  My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee."  So  that  we  could  desire 
no  more,  and  no  better  promises  than 
are  already  given  in  God's  precious 
word. 

S 


66         4    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY. 

Our  God,  how  firm  His  promise  stands  ! 

E'en  when  He  hides  His  face, 
He  trusts  in  our  Redeemer's  hands, 

His  glory  and  His  grace. 

Then  why,  my  soul,  these  sad  complaints 

Since  Christ  and  we  are  one  ? 
Thy  God  is  faithful  to  His  saints, 

Is  faithful  to  His  Son. 

Beneath  His  smiles  my  heart  has  lived, 
And  part  of  heaven  possessed  ; 

I  praise  His  name  for  grace  received, 
And  trust  Him  for  the  rest. 

5.  Nor  does  God  ever  afflict  ca- 
priciously. He  does  nothing  but 
for  good  cause.  <l  He  doth  not  af- 
flict willingly,  nor  grieve  the  chil- 
dren of  men."  If  He  chastens  us,  it  is 
"  for  our  profit  that  we  may  be  par- 
takers of  his  holiness."  Lam.  iii.  33  ; 
Heb.  xii.    to. 

6.  The  great  sources  of  triumph  to 
the  suffering  saint  are  to  be  sought 
in  the  future.     The  light  which   God 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY.         Qy 

has  kindled  beyond  the  tomb  is 
bright  enough  to  dispel  the  darkness 
of  midnight — the  darkness  of  the 
graxe.  A  loviag  disciple  of  the  last 
generation  gave  the  world  this  fable  : 

Fraternally  the  angel  of  sleep  and 
the  angel  of  death  wandered  over  t he- 
earth.  It  was  evening.  They  reclined 
on  a  hill  not  far  from  the  habitation 
of  man.  A  melancholy  stillness 
reigned,  and  the  evening  clock  in 
the  distant  village   was  not  heard. 

Silently,  according  to  their  custom, 
sat  two  benevolent  genii  of  human- 
ity, in  a  sad  embrace,  and  already 
night  drew  near. 

The  angel  of  sleep  arose  from  his 
mossy  couch,  and  scattered  with  a 
gentle  hand  the  invisible  seed  ofslum- 
.  The  evening  wind  wafted  it  to 
the  silent  dwelling  of  the  wearied 
husbandman.    Now  sweet  sleep  em- 


68         ^    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY. 

braced  the  inhabitants  of  the  rural 
cottage,  from  the  gray-haired  man 
who  leans  upon  his  staff,  to  the  infant 
in  the  cradle.  The  sick  forgot  their 
pain  ;  the  melancholy  their  sorrow  ; 
the  poor  their  wants.  Every  eye  was 
closed. 

After  his  labor  was  accomplished, 
the  benevolent  angel  of  sleep  again 
lay  down  with  his  serious  brother. 
"  When  the  dawn  appears,"  said  he,  in 
a  tone  of  cheerful  innocence,  "  then 
man  will  praise  me  as  his  friend 
and  benefactor!  Oh,  it  is  sweet  to 
do  good  unseen  and  in  secret !  How 
happy  are  we,  the  invisible  messen- 
gers of  the  Good  Spirit !  How  love- 
ly our  noiseless  occupation  !  " 

Thus  spoke  the  friendly  angel  of 
sleep.  The  angel  of  death  regarded 
him  with  silent  grief,  and  a  tear,  such 
as  mortals  weep,  stood  in  his  large 
dark  eye.     "  Alas!."  said  he,  "  that  I 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.         69 

cannot,  like  you,  rejoice  in  the  grati- 
tude of  man.  The  earth  calls  me  her 
enemy  and  the  disturber  of  her  joy. " 

u  Oh  !  my  brother,"  replied  the  an- 
gel of  sleep,  "will  not  the  good,  on 
awaking,  discover  in  you  their  friend 
and  benefactor,  and  gratefully  bless 
you?  Are  not  we  brethren,  and  the 
messengers  of  one  Father?" 

Thus  he  spoke.  Then  the  eyes  of 
the  angel  of  death  brightened,  and 
tenderly  the  genii  embraced  each 
other. 

I  proceed  now  to  give — 

IL— A  WORD  OF  COMFORT  AND  EN- 
COURAGEMENT. 

Here  the  chief  difficulty  is  to  tell 
where  to  begin  and  where  to  leave  off. 
The  Bible  is  full  of  divine  cordials 
for  the  weary.  Time  would  fail  to 
recount  them  all.  Here  are  some  of 
them: 


JO         A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 

i.  "  Blessed  be  God,  even  the 
Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all 
comfort;  who  comforteth  us  in  all 
our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able 
to  comfort  them  which  are  in  any 
trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith 
we  ourselves  are  comforted  of  God. 
For  as  the  sufferings  of  Christ  abound 
in  us,  so  our  consolation  also  abound- 
eth  by  Christ."  2  Cor.  i.  3-5.  This 
is  a  mere  sample.  Other  Scriptures 
are  particular,  and  specify  all  the 
woes  and  the  ills  of  life.  If  one  has 
lost  a  child,  wife,  husband,  father, 
brother,  sister,  God's  word  meets  the 
case  in  all  its  essential  troubles,  and 
points  to  suitable  resources.  Besides, 
the  comforts  of  God  are  very  season- 
able. The  great  excellency  of  the 
prophet's  visit  to  the  widow  of  Sa- 
repta,  and  of  the  angel's  interposi- 
tion to  save   Isaac  from  death,  con- 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.         ji 

sisted  in  their  peculiar  fitness  to  the 
existing  state  of  things. 

2.  Nor  are  the  '  comforts  of  God 
few  and  slight.  On  the  contrary, 
they  are  ample,  various,  and  abun- 
dant. They  are  also  mighty.  How 
could  it  be  otherwise?  They  are  the 
"  consolations  of  God."  Their  Au- 
thor secures  their  efficiency.  The 
Scriptures  speak  of  u  strong  consola- 
tion." Heb.  vi.  18.  They  are  also 
accessible  to  all  who  will  embrace 
them.  And  the)'  are  clearly,  and 
often  spoken  of  in  Scripture  :  "  For 
whatsoever  things  were  written  afore- 
time, were  written  for  our  learning, 
that  we  through  patience  and  com- 
fort of  the  Scriptures  might  have 
hope."  Rom.  xv.  4.  4t  This  is  my 
comfort  in  my  affliction  :  for  Thy 
word  hath  quickened  me."  "  It  is 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflict- 
ed ;  that  I  might  learn  Thy  statutes. 


72 


A    WORD    TO    THE    WEARY. 


Ps.  cxix.  50,  71.       To   be   yet   more 
specific  : 

3.  There  is  a  k<  need  be"  for  all  the 
trials  endured  by  the  people  of  God. 
We  may  not  now  know  why  He  con- 
tends with  us,  but  the  Lord  knows, 
and  that  is  enough.  He  is  the  Phy- 
sician. The  efficacy  of  a  good  rem- 
edy does  not  depend  upon  the  sick 
man  knowing  what  his  ailment  is,  nor 
the  nature  of  the  dose  given  him,  nor 
the  manner  of  its  operation.  The 
best  men  seldom  know  the  extent 
and  power  of  their  spiritual  maladies 
until  the  Great  Physician  works  a 
cure.  He  who  has  promised  the 
complete  sanctification  of  His  people 
is  alone  fit  to  decide  when  and  how 
they  must  be  tried.  Who  are  we, 
that  we  should  attempt  to  take  things 
out  of  His  divine  hand  ?  One  of  the 
most  afflicted  men  I  ever  saw,  said 
this  was  for  a  joy  unto  him :    "  He 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.         73 

doth  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve 
the  children  of  men."  Lam.  iii.  33. 
Every  good  man  ought  to  say  that 
he  both  deserves  and  requires  chas- 
tisement. God  sees  in  us  evil  suffi- 
cient to  account  for  all  our  trials. 
If  God  loves  us,  He  will  afflict  us, 
that  He  may  wean  us  from  our  idols. 
"  Wherefore  should  a  living  man 
complain,  a  man  for  the  punishment 
of  his  sins?"  "  Shall  we  receive  good 
at  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  and  shall 
we  not  receive  evil  also  ?  "  Such  dis- 
cipline strengthens  our  hatred  of  sin 
and  our  love  of  holiness.  He  who 
has  undertaken  to  deliver  us,  will 
bring  forth  judgment  unto  truth, 
complete  the  work  of  faith  with 
power,  and  present  us  without  spot 
or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing,  before 
God.  No  good  and  wise  man  would 
dare  to  ask  to  be  set  free  from  all 
trials. 


74 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


4.  Another  ground  of  comfort  is 
that  no  trial  befalls  us,  but  such  as  is 
common  to  men.  This  solace  is  not 
based  upon  mere  community  in  suf- 
fering. But  when  we  are  joint  par- 
takers in  sorrow  with  other  good 
men,  we  comfort  ourselves  thus: 
These  sufferers  give  evidence  of 
love  to  God.  If  they  are  God's 
friends,  and  yet  are  afflicted,  surely  I 
may  regard  my  sufferings  as  also  sent 
in  token  of  unchanging  love.  If  they 
find  it  good  to  be  tried,  it  may  be 
well  for  me  to  endure  the  same.  If 
Divine  grace  makes  them  conquer- 
ors, it  can  give  me  the  victory  also. 
This  reasoning  is  fair  and  unanswer- 
able. Take  out  of  the  lives  of  Moses, 
David,  Paul,  Newton,  Bunyan  and 
Brainerd  all  which  they  learned  by 
means  of  sanctified  affliction,  and 
they  would  be  comparatively  desti- 
tute of  interest. 


A    WORD    TO    THE    WEARY. 


75 


5.  Trials,  properly  used,  greatly 
strengthen  Christian  graces.  Sever- 
ities, which  do  not  impair,  give 
vigor  to  the  human  body.  The  same 
is  true  of  the  human  intellect.  Stud- 
ies winch  most  heavily  tax  our  men- 
tal powers,  do,  when  mastered,  be- 
come the  means  of  the  greatest  en- 
largement. Who  ever  had  much 
patience  until  he  was  severely  tried  ? 
Who  ever  loved  much  unless  he  was 
called  to  forsake  all  for  Christ  ?  Who 
ever  had  strong  faith  unless  he  had 
walked  in  darkness,  and  had  no  light  ? 

6.  The  Word  of  God  abounds  with 
the  most  consoling  truths:  "I  will 
be  thy  God,"  "  I  will  never  leave 
thee  nor  forsake  thee."  "  He  will  not 
suffer  us  to  be  tempted  above  that  we 
are  able  to  bear."  These  are  mere 
samples  of  the  exceeding  great  and 
precious  promises  of  God.  It  adds 
to  their  value  that  they  are  freely 


76         ^    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY. 

given,  are  unchangeable,  cannot  be 
frustrated,  and  are  the  common  in- 
heritance of  all  the  heirs  of  glory. 
Neither  Paul  nor  David  had  a  war- 
rant, beyond  the  weakest  saint,  to 
appropriate  these  promises  to  them- 
selves. What  believer  has  ever  been 
in  the  school  of  adversity,  and  not 
learned  many  valuable  lessons?  Point- 
ing to  his  trophies,  he  says  :  "  These 
are  the  spoils,  which  I  have  won  in 
battle,  and  I  dedicate  them  to  main- 
tain the  house  of  the  Lord."  Like 
the  old  warrior,  he  may  have  been 
wounded  in  battle,  but  his  scars  being 
healed  are  his  glory. 

7.  Earth  is  not  our  home,  though 
some  silly  people  would  love  to  have 
it  such.  But  God  has  prepared  for 
the  saints  a  better  portion — heavenly 
mansions.  Though  God's  people  en- 
tertain the  hope  of  finally  wearing  the 
crown  of  life,  who  would  long  for  it 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


77 


and  pant  after  it,  if  he  had  no  trials  ? 
God  knows  us  better  than  we  know 
ourselves.  We  are  in  danger  of  lov- 
ing our  present  abode,  and  He  sends 
us  trial  after  trial  to  remind  us  that 
this  is  not  our  rest.  Perfection  of 
character  and  the  highest  bliss  can- 
not be  attained  in  this  world.  How 
many  look  upon  a  removal  from  earth 
as  a  "  melancholy  exile  !  "  It  is  chiefly 
the  children  of  sorrow  that  sing : 

Jerusalem,  my  happy  home  ! 

Name  ever  dear  to  me  ! 
When  shall  my  troubles  have  an  end 

In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee  ? 
When  shall  these  eyes  thy  heaven-built  walls 

And  pearly  gates  behold  ? 
Thy  bulwarks  with  salvation  strong, 

And  streets  of  shining  gold  ? 
O  when,  thou  city  of  my  God, 

Shall  I  thy  courts  ascend, 
Where  congregations  ne'er  break  up, 

And  Sabbaths  never  end  ? 

Such   songs   are    apt   to   be    most 


78         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

relished  by  those  who  have  felt  the 
bitterness  of  life.  Anything-  is  good 
for  us  that  makes  us  pant  after 
heaven.  He  who  is  well  trained  in 
the  school  of  affliction  often  has  little- 
to  do,  when  death  comes,  but  to 
gather  up  his  feet  in  his  bed,  and  bid 
a  glad  farewell  to  earth  and  a  joyful 
welcome  to  heaven. 

8.  Another  thing  that  should  re- 
concile us  to  suffering,  is  that  there- 
by God  is  glorified.  This  is  the 
most  important  of  all  considerations. 
Christ  would  not  have  had  a  name 
above  others,  had  not  his  high  praises 
been  sung  in  prisons,  in  lions'  dens, 
on  racks,  and  from  the  midst  of  fiery 
flames.  These  tributes  of  grateful 
homage  have  been  abundant  and 
without  a  parallel.  On  the  supposi- 
tion that  the  Bible  is  a  fable,  no  man 
can  account  for  them.  No  other 
system   has  ever  produced  such  re- 


A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 


79 


suits.  Christ  is  glorified,  first,  by 
our  active  service,  and  secondly,  bv 
suffering  for  Him.  It  would  detract 
no  more  from  Christ's  honor  that  all 
His  ministers  and  people  to  the  end 
of  the  world  should  keep  silence,  than 
that  they  should  cease  to  teach  the 
world  by  example  how  men  can  suf- 
fer for  His  name.  So  that,  if  God 
deny  to  one  all  participation  in  active 
efforts  to  spread  the  truth,  yet,  if  by 
cheerful  submission  to  adversity  he 
can  show  forth  the  power  of  God's 
grace,  let  him  glorify  God  on  this 
behalf.  To  praise  God  in  word,  in 
the  midst  of  success  and  prosperity, 
may  be  done  by  the  veriest  worldling 
or  hypocrite ;  but  to  extol  His  name 
when  in  a  sea  of  trouble  can  be  done 
by  none,  except  those  with  whom  is 
the  secret  of  the  Lord. 

I  come  now  to  give — 


80         A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 
III. — A   WORD   OF   CAUTION. 

1.  Refuse  not  to  acknowledge  the 
hand  of  God  upon  you.  Ascribe  not 
to  second  causes  that  which  belongs 
God  Himself. 

2.  Beware  of  a  murmuring  spirit. 
We  may  complain  to  God,  but  we 
must  not  complain  of  God.  We 
should  resign  all  to  His  hand.  We 
must  not  only  submit,  we  must  acqui- 
esce. Meekness  is  far  better  than 
turbulence.  Quietness  excels  pertur- 
bation. Silence  is  often  a  duty,  and 
a  very  reasonable  duty  it  is.  The 
Psalmist  was  a  happy  man  when  he 
could  say,  "  Surely  I  have  behaved 
and  quieted  myself,  as  a  child  that  is 
weaned  of  his  mother:  my  soul  is 
even  as  a  weaned  child."  Ps.  cxxxi.  2. 
We  know  not  all  the  causes  which 
have  led  the  Most  High  to  treat  us 
thus  and  so. 


A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY.         8 1 

3.  Let  us  particularly  guard  against 
all  atheistic  and  unworthy  thoughts. 
That  was  a  terrible  rebuke:  "Why 
say  est  thou,  O  Jacob,  and  speakest, 
O  Israel,  My  way  is  hid  from  the 
Lord,  and  my  judgment  is  passed 
over  from  my  God?"  Is.  xl.  27. 
The  Most  High  does  see  and  regard. 

4.  Let  us  never  forget  that  rebel- 
lion is  sin,  and  that  it  does  no  good, 
even  for  a  time.  The  wild  bull  caught 
in  the  net  may  bellow,  and  toss,  and 
struggle;  but  he  hurts  himself  only. 
His  struggles  do  no  good. 

5.  Nor  let  us  forget  our  past  expe- 
rience. Almost  every  one  can  see 
how  good  has  come  to  him  out  of 
evils  which  have  already  befallen  him. 
We  are  warranted  in  hoping  that  it 
will  be  so  in  days  to  come. 

6.  Let  us  inquire  whether  our  trials 
humble  us.  They  are  intended  to  re- 
mind us  of  our  errors.     A  little  can- 


82         A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 

dor  and  self-examination  will  soon 
convince  us  that  we  deserve  all  that 
has  come  upon  us. 

7.  Let  us  not  forsake  God,  the 
fountain  of  living  waters ;  nor  hew 
us  out  cisterns  which  can  hold  no 
water.  Let  us  not  look  to  the  crea- 
ture, but  to  the  Creator.  It  was  a 
grand  error  of  the  Israelites,  when 
they  got  into  trouble,  to  send  down 
to  Egypt,  or  over  to  Assyria,  for  help, 
or  for  horsemen.  Let  us  not  be  alike 
foolish.     Jehovah  is  God. 

8.  Let  us  not  sing  dirges,  but  unite 
with  primitive  Christians  in  thefait/tr 
ful  saying:  "  For  if  we  be  dead  with 
him,  we  shall  also  live  with  him  :  if 
we  suffer,  we  shall  also  reign  with 
him  ;  if  we  deny  him,  he  also  will 
deny  us  ;  if  we  believe  not,  yet  he 
abideth  faithful;  he  cannot  deny 
himself."     2  Tim.  ii.  11-13. 

9.  Take  heed,  lest  in  your  sorrow 


A    WORD  TO   THE   WEARY.  83 

for  the  dead,  you  forget  your  duties 
to  the  living.  A  release  from  one 
duty  is  often  a  call  to  increased  vigor 
in  other  duties. 

10.  Forget  not  the  many  circum- 
stances of  mercy  and  favor  attending 
your  trials.  "  Our  trouble  is  that  we 
write  our  mercies  on  the  sand,  and 
engrave  our  afflictions  upon  a  rock.,, 

11.  Be  not  unmindful  that  you  are 
the  follower  of  a  suffering  Saviour. 
If  you  fare  as  well  as  your  Master, 
why  should  you  complain  ?  His 
cup  was  more  bitter  than  any  ever 
put  into  your  hand.  Let  your 
thoughts  dwell  on  His  sorrows,  till 
you  are  ready  to  forget  your  own. 

12.  Remember  that  sorrow  and 
suffering  are  among  the  badges  of 
discipleship. 

"  The  path  of  sorrow,  and  that  path  alone, 
Leads   to  the  land  where  sorrows  are  un- 
known." 


84         A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 

13.  Beware  of  slight  views  of  sin. 
Labor  clearly  to  see  its  heinousness. 
The  least  sin  is  a  greater  evil  than  all 
our  earthly  sufferings.  No  man's 
case  can  be  very  bad  if  he  hates  sin, 
and  is  freed  from  its  reigning  and  con- 
demning power.  When  sin  lies  light 
upon  us,  a  small  affliction  will  be 
heavy  ;  but  when  sin  lies  heavy  upon 
us,  all  afflictions  will  be  light. 

14.  Never  charge  God  foolishly. 
Never  speak  rashly  nor  lightly  of 
affliction.  Beware  of  bringing  any 
reproach  on  Christ  or  His  cause. 
Our  enemies  always  watch  for  our 
halting,  but  never  more  than  in  the 
day  of  our  sore  trials. 

15.  Beware  of  indolence  and  car- 
nal security.  As  yet  your  afflictions 
may  be  very  light,  but  remember  the 
days  of  darkness  are  not  all  past  till 
we  reach  the  portals  of  Paradise 
fio  man  has  any  more  grace  than  he 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.         85 

is  found  to  possess  upon  a  fair  trial. 
Tf  God  loves  you,  He  will  prove  you. 
Be  assured  you  will  need  all  the 
grace  you  can  possibly  secure.  Be 
not  high-minded,  but  fear.  Put  on 
the  whole  armor  of  God. 

16.  Do  not  shun  the  society  of  the 
most  afflicted  of  God's  people.  Ac- 
custom yourself  to  scenes  of  trial  and 
sorrow.  "  It  is  better  to  go  to  the 
house  of  mourning  than  to  the  house 
of  feasting ;  for  by  the  sadness  of  the 
countenance  the  heart  is  made  bet- 
ter." Shake  hands  with  sorrow  in 
its  most  haggard  forms.  Then,  when 
it  presents  itself  to  you,  you  can  say, 
I  have  seen  the  likes  of  you  before. 
The  sight  of  Goliah  did  not  agitate 
David,  because  he  had  fought  with  a 
lion  and  a  bear. 

17.  Beware  of  a  censorious,  or  bit- 
ter spirit  towards  your  afflicted  breth- 
ren, and  endeavor  to  comfort  them. 


86         A    WORD   TO    THE    WEARY. 

Turn  not  a  deaf  ear  to  any  tale  of 
sorrow.  Your  plans  will  be  foolish 
nnd  your  manliness  all  gone,  if  the 
Most  High  forsake  you.  No  mortal 
can  tell  on  whom  the  next  heavy 
stroke  shall  fall.  Let  us  gird  up  the 
loins  of  our  minds;  let  us  watch  and 
be  sober ;  let  us  bear  one  another's 
burdens,  and  so  fulfill  the  law  of 
Christ;  let  us  weep  with  those  that 
weep ;  let  us  live  near  to  God ;  let  us 
remember  that  the  vows  of  God  are 
upon  us;  let  us  go  forth  without  the 
camp,  willingly  bearing  the  reproach 
of  Christ;  and  when  the  chief  Shep- 
herd shall  appear,  we  shall  also  ap- 
pear with  Him  in  glory. 

1 8.  Heaven  consists  of  those  who 
have  fought  their  way  to  the  king- 
dom. When  John  saw  the  great  mul- 
titude, which  no  man  could  number, 
standing  before  the  throne,  and  be- 
fore the  Lamb,  and  clothed  with  white 


A    WORD    TO    THE    WEARY.  87 

robes,  and  palms  in  their  hands,  and 
singing  such  a  song  as  belongs  to  the 
temple  above,  one  of  the  elders  said, 
"What  are  these  which  are  arrayed 
in  white  robes?  and  whence  came 
they  ?  And  I  said  unto  him,  Sir, 
thou  knowest.  And  he  said  to  me, 
These  are  they  which  came  out  of 
great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  Therefore 
are  they  before  the  throne  of  God, 
and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his 
temple  :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them. 
They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither 
thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the 
sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For 
the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of 
the  throne  shall  feed  them,  and  shall 
lead  them  unto  living  fountains  of 
waters :  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes."  Rev.  vii. 
13-17. 


88         A    WORD    TO    THE    WEARY. 

Thus  have  T  endeavored  "to  speak 
a  word  in  season  to  him  that  is 
weary."  Isa.  1.  4.  Oh  !  that  it  may 
help  on  each  pilgrim  in  the  greatness 
of  his  way. 

The  Lord  shall  reign  for- 
ever, even  thy  God,  O  Zion,  unto 
all  generations.  praise  ye  the 
Lord. 


THE   CHURCH   TRIUMPHS   OVER 
INSULTS. 

"  Rejoice  not  against  me,  O  mine 
enemy :  when  I  fall,  I  shall  arise ; 
when  I  sit  in  darkness  the  Lord  shall 
be  a  light  unto  me.  I  will  bear  the 
indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  I 
have  sinned  against  him,  until  he 
plead  my  cause,  and  execute  judg- 
ment for  me :  he  will  bring  me  forth 
to  the  light,  and  I  shall  behold  his 
righteousness.     Then  she  that  is  mine 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY.  89 

enemy  shall  see  it,  and  shame  shall 
cover  her  which  said  unto  me,  Where 
is  the  Lord  thy  God  ?  mine  eyes 
shall  behold  her:  now  shall  she  be 
trodden  down  as  the  mire  of  the 
streets."     Micah  vii.  8-10. 


WHO    IS   TRULY    BLESSED?      LET 
JESUS   ANSWER. 

"  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit :  for 
theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
Blessed  are  they  that  mourn:  for 
they  shall  be  comforted.  Blessed  are 
the  meek:  for  they  shall  inherit  the 
earth.  Blessed  are  they  which  do 
hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness  : 
for  they  shall  be  filled.  Blessed  are 
the  merciful:  for  they  shall  obtain 
mercy.  Blessed  are  the  pure  in 
heart:  for  they  shall  see  God.  Blessed 
are  the  peacemakers  :  for  they  shall 
be  called  the  children  of  God.  Blessed 


90 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


are  they  which  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness'  sake  :  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  Blessed  are  ye, 
when  men  shall  revile  you,  and  per- 
secute you,  and  shall  say  all  manner 
of  evil  against  you  falsely,  for  my 
sake."     Matt.  v.  3-1 1. 


CHRIST  S   FAREWELL  TO   HIS   FOL- 
LOWERS. 

"  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled  : 
ye  believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  me. 
In  my  Father's  house  are  many 
mansions :  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would 
have  told  you.  I  go  to  prepare  a 
place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  pre- 
pare a  place  for  you,  I  will  come 
again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself; 
that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be 
also.  And  whither  I  go  ye  know, 
and  the  way  ye  know.  Thomas  saith 
unto  him,  Lord,  we  know  not  whither 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


91 


thou  goest ;  and  how  can  we  know 
the  way  ?  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am 
the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life:  no 
man  cometh  unto  the  Father,  but  by 
me.  If  ye  had  known  me,  ye  should 
have  known  my  Father  also :  and 
from  henceforth  ye  know  him  and 
have  seen  him.  Philip  saith  unto 
him,  Lord,  shew  us  the  Father,  and  it 
sufficeth  us.  Jesus  saith  unto  him, 
Have  I  been  so  long  time  with  you, 
and  yet  hast  thou  not  known  me, 
Philip?  he  that  hath  seen  me  hath 
seen  the  Father;  and  how sayest thou 
then,  Shew  us  the  Father.  Believest 
thou  not  that  I  am  in  the  Father,  and 
the  Father  in  me  ?  the  words  that  1 
speak  unto  you  I  speak  not  of  myself: 
but  the  Father  that  dwelleth  in  me, 
he  doeth  the  works.  Believe  me 
that  I  am  in  the  Father,  and  the  Fath- 
er in  me  :  or  else  believe  me  for  the 
very    works'    sake.     Verily,  verily,  I 


92 


A    WORD   TO   THE    WEARY. 


say  unto  you,  He  that  believeth  on 
me,  the  works  that  I  do  shall  he  do 
also ;  and  greater  works  than  these 
shall  he  do;  because  I  go  unto  my 
Father.  And  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask 
in  my  name,  that  will  I  do,  that  the 
Father  may  be  glorified  in  the  Son. 
If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name, 
I  will  do  it.  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my 
commandments.  And  I  will  pray  the 
Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another 
Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with 
you  for  ever;,  even  the  Spirit  of 
truth ;  whom  the  world  cannot  re- 
ceive, because  it  seeth  him  not,  neither 
knoweth  him  :  but  ye  know  him  ;  for 
he  dwelleth  with  you,  and  shall  be  in 
you.  I  will  not  leave  you  comfort- 
less :  I  will  come  to  you.  Yet  a  little 
while,  and  the  world  seeth  me  no 
more  ;  but  ye  see  me  :  because  I  live, 
ye  shall  live  also.  At  that  day  ye 
shall  know  that  I   am  in  my  Father, 


A    WORD   TO  THE   WEARY. 


93 


and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in  you.  He  that 
hath  my  commandments,  and  keepeth 
them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me  :  and  he 
that  loveth  me  shall  be  loved  of  my 
Father,  and  I  will  love  him  and  will 
manifest  myself  to  him.  Judas  saith 
unto  him,  not  Iscariot,  Lord,  how  is 
it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself  unto 
us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  him,  If  a  man 
love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  :  and 
my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will 
come  unto  him  and  m?.ke  our  abode 
with  him.  He  that  loveth  me  not 
keepeth  not  my  sayings:  and  the 
word  which  ye  hear  is  not  mine,  but 
the  Father's  which  sent  me.  These 
,  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  being 
yet  present  with  you.  But  the  Com- 
.forter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my 
name,  he  shall  teach  you  all  things, 
and  bring  all  things  to  your  remem- 


54         ^    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 

brance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto 
you.     Peace    I   leave   with    you,  my 
peace  I   give  unto  you  :   not  as  the 
world  giveth,  give  I  unto  you.     Let 
not  your  heart  be  troubled,  neither 
let  it  be  afraid.     Ye  have  heard  how 
I  said  unto  you,  I  go  away,  and  come 
again  unto  you.     If  ye  loved  me,  ye 
would  rejoice,  because  I  said,  I   go 
unto  the   Father:    for  my  Father  is 
greater  than  I.     And  now  I  have  told 
you  before  it  come  to  pass,  that,  when 
it  is  come  to  pass,  ye  might  believe. 
Hereafter  I  will  not  talk  much  with 
you :    for   the    prince   of  this   world 
cometh,   and    hath    nothing    in    me. 
But  that  the  world  may  know  that  I 
love  the  Father;  and  as  the  Father 
gave  me  commandment,  even  so  I  do. 
Arise,  let  us  go  hence."     John  xiv. 

1-3 1- 


A    WORD   TO   THE   WEARY. 


95 


PAUL'S  VIEWS  AT  THE  CLOSE  OF  LIFE. 

"For  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offer- 
ed, and  the  time  of  my  departure  is 
at  hand.  I  have  fought  a  good  fight, 
I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have 
kept  the  faith  :  henceforth  there  is 
laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteous- 
ness, which  the  Lord,  the  righteous 
judge,  shall  give  me  at  that  day  :  and 
not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them 
also  that  love  his  appearing."  2  Tim. 
iv.  6-8. 


THE    LAST   WORDS   OF   THE   BIBLE. 

"And  the  Spirit  and  the  bride  say, 
Come.  And  let  him  that  heareth  say, 
Come.  And  let  him  that  is  athirst, 
come.  And  whosoever  will,  let  him 
take  the  water  of  life  freely.  For  I 
tify  unto  every  man  that  heareth 
the    words    of  the  prophecy   of  this 


96         A    WORD  TO  THE   WEARY. 

book,  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these 
things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  the 
plagues  that  are  written  in  this  book  : 
And  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from 
the  words  of  the  book  of  this  pro- 
phecy, God  shall  take  away  his  part 
out  of  the  book  of  life,  and  out  of  the 
holy  city,  and  from  the  things  which 
are  written  in  this  book.  He  which 
testifieth  these  things  saith,  Surely  I 
come  quickly  ;  Amen.  Even  so,  come 
Lord  Jesus.  The  grace  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  be  with  you  all.  Amen/' 
Rev  xxii.  17-21. 


THE   END. 


on  Theological  Sem.nary-Spee 


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